Cairo International Airport Transfer (CAI)

Cairo International Airport (IATA: CAI) is Africa's second-busiest airport and Egypt's primary hub, handling over 20 million passengers across three terminals. Terminal 3 is the main international facility; Terminal 1 handles Egypt Air domestic operations. The arrivals area at all terminals has an active unofficial taxi market — drivers approach passengers before the exits, and flat rates quoted informally are consistently above what pre-booked transfers cost. Your LocalsRide driver is inside the official arrivals hall with your name sign, before you reach the exits.

Transfer Time and Distance from CAI

Cairo is 22 kilometres northeast of the city centre. Downtown Cairo and Tahrir Square are 25–40 minutes via the Ring Road. Zamalek is 30–45 minutes. Giza and the Pyramids are 40–60 minutes via the Ring Road and Faisal Street. Garden City and the Corniche are 30–45 minutes. Heliopolis (adjacent to the airport) is 10–15 minutes.

Cairo Terminal Guide

Terminal 3 handles all non-EgyptAir international flights — Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, Turkish Airlines. Terminal 1 (two halls) handles EgyptAir international routes. Terminal 2 handles domestic. Confirm your terminal when booking — each has a separate arrivals exit and meeting area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cairo Airport taxi scam and how do I avoid it?

The most common scenario: unlicensed drivers inside arrivals quote flat rates of £E 500–800 to central Cairo for a journey worth £E 200–300. They may claim the meter is broken or that metered cabs are unavailable. Pre-booking a LocalsRide transfer eliminates the interaction entirely — your confirmed driver is already inside.

Is there public transport from Cairo Airport to the city?

Cairo Metro Line 3 connects to the airport from Adly Mansour station, but the connection requires a bus or taxi from Terminal 3. The full journey to Tahrir Square takes 45–60 minutes with the connection. For most international arrivals with luggage, a private transfer is faster and more practical.